United States
Michigan (MI)
Grand Traverse County
Traverse City
Things to Do in Traverse City
Grand Traverse Distillery

Grand Traverse Distillery, Traverse City: Hours, Address, Grand Traverse Distillery Reviews: 4.5/5

See all things to do

Grand Traverse Distillery

See all things to do
See all things to do
Grand Traverse Distillery
4.5
262
#9 of 73 things to do in Traverse City
Distilleries
Read more
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Write a review
About
Grand Traverse Distillery is Michigan's oldest craft distillery and we are family owned. We use 100% locally grown wheat, rye, corn and barley to distill our award winning spirits which include the True North Vodkas [Rye, Wheat, Cherry, Chocolate & Chipotle], Gin, Rum and our Whiskies [Ole George 100% Rye, Bourbon, Cherry Whiskey as well as many small batch specialty ones]. We also offer unaged whiskey to age your own at home. We have 5 Tasting Rooms located throughout the state in Traverse City (on 215 E Front St) Frankenmuth, Kalamazoo, Leland, Suttons Bay (located in Black Star Farms), and Mackinaw City so you can stop in and have the Grand Traverse Distillery experience. Our Main Distillery Tasting Room, located off of 3 Mile is open Monday through Saturday 11-a.m. to 5:30-p.m and is closed Sundays. We offer tours 6 days a week at 1:00 pm & 3:00 pm from May 1 through August 31. October 1 through April 30 tours are offered only on Fridays and Saturdays. Cheers, Kent Rabish!
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view

Top ways to experience Grand Traverse Distillery and nearby attractions

The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
59 within 3 miles
Taqueria Tc Latino
69
0.3 mi$ • Mexican • Latin • Spanish
That'sa Pizza
60
0.4 mi$ • Pizza • Vegetarian Friendly
Red Mesa Grill
907
1.9 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Southwestern • Latin
Smoke and Porter Public House
199
1.9 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Barbecue
Don's Drive-In
351
2.1 mi$ • American • Diner
TC Mexican
2
1.8 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican
China Chef
14
1.9 miChinese • Asian
Parkshore Resort Lounge
42
1.9 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub
Culver's
68
2 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Fast Food
Dairy Queen (Treat)
9
1.9 mi$
See all
Attractions
46 within 6 miles
Reffitt Preserve
2
0.4 miNature & Wildlife Areas
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
1,465
Historic Sites • Flea & Street Markets
Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation Trails
197
Biking Trails • Hiking Trails
Grand Traverse Bay
101
1.8 miBodies of Water
Front Street
927
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Dennos Museum Center
171
Art Museums
Clinch Park
244
Beaches
Centre Ice Arena
21
1 miArenas & Stadiums
Traverse City State Park
178
1.8 miState Parks
Traverse Area District Library
107
Libraries
See all
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
262 reviews
Excellent
184
Very good
56
Average
11
Poor
3
Terrible
8
Aaron C
1 contribution
Distillery Tour and Tasting
Couples
What an awesome experience! The distillery tour was entertaining and informational. The tour guide, Mike, was very knowledgeable, broke down the entire process of making the various liquors, and made the tour very personal. After the tour, the tasting room was very fun. Mike and Jim poured the samples and explained how each product was made and what flavor notes could be tasted in each one. They also offered some custom mixed drinks that highlighted their products in various ways that were delicious and inexpensive. The Chipotle Vodka makes an incredible Bloody Mary! I recommend this experience to connoisseurs and novices alike.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kent R
Hello Aaron Thanks so much for taking time to write a review! Mike and Jim do a great job at customer service and we love to show off the distillery. Grain to bottle is our tour. Please some back to see us again and i hope you enjoy your Chipotle vodka at home! Cheers KEnt
Written January 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dr. Tim
Marana, AZ5,139 contributions
Lots of great sipping choices!
Couples
We were visiting Traverse City from Arizona and decided to head downtown and check out the shops. As luck would have it we came across Grand Traverse Distillery Tasting Room and thought why not give the Gin choices a little tasting. Well as typically happens we tasted two Gins, bought a bottle of Peninsula Gin which is finished in whiskey barrels, purchased a Righteous Rum Jerk Sauce and of course snagged a jar of Cherry BBQ Sauce. So then we left and had some Sushi at Red Ginger where it occurred to us we needed to try out a Martini with our Peninsula Gin, but didn’t want to open the bottle just yet. So back to Grand Traverse Distillery Tasting Room we went where we enjoyed two Martinis with Peninsula Gin, Vermouth and a lemon twist. Everything was great and the service was excellent. I wish I could remember our servers name, but I know she is studying and working with families and their children as needed. We definitely had a great time and enjoyed some great tasting libations. Highly recommend!
Written June 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kent R
Hello Tim Thanks so much for taking time to give your kind reveiw of GTD and our staff member who served you! They do a great job, even short handed as we have been (most business in our area are working short handed as there are not enough people looking for work as the jobs needed). Cheers and plase come back soon. There will be more Peninsula Gin waiting for you. Kent
Written June 16, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
julie6114
Valparaiso, IN203 contributions
A must if your in traverse city
Couples
We are in Traverse City for a long weekend snowmobiling and decided to take a break and enjoy the city. After googling things to do we came across the Grand Traverse Distillery and decided to book a tour. Our tour started at 1:00 and we were warmly greeted by Jim who gave us a little history of the business and offered some samples of their products. Jim then introduced us to Kent the owner who graciously took us on our tour, we were the only ones on the tour so it felt like we were getting our own private tour. Kent explained how the different whiskeys, Gin and Vodkas were made and showed us around the facility. Kent is very personable and knows his stuff. He answered our questions and when the tour was over took us back to the tasting room where Jim was waiting to pour us more samples. He mixed up a few different varieties of drinks and talked a little bit more of the operation. If your in town look them up and book a tour. From the owner to staff everyone was welcoming and we had a great time sampling and learning about the operation. Thanks for a fun afternoon!
Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kent R
Hi Julie Thanks so much for coming in and visiting us! It was fun to talk to you folks and tour the distillery. I hope you enjoyed the rest of your trip to TC. Please come back the next time your in town. Cheers Kent
Written January 26, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dee S
Michigan28 contributions
Quality of Ole George Rye not the same as I was given to taste
Bought a bottle of Ole George Straight Rye Whiskey In Mackinaw City last September 2019. I was impressed with the buttery Carmel notes and aroma I enjoyed at the store in Mackinaw City. However, when I opened the bottle at home it smelled like fresh mown grass. Even worse is when I took a sip and it tasted like I had a mouth full of fresh mown grass in my mouth. It was bitter and awful and tasted nothing like what I had at the store. I wrote an email to let them know my experience but apparently they can’t be bothered to reply to that. I paid good money for a bottle of Rye that I cannot drink! I also let a couple of my friends taste it and they described it the same way. It is nasty and bitter and undrinkable. I hoped GTD would have offered to replace the bottle in case I happened to get a bad batch. But apparently they don’t care. After giving them 7 months to respond I decided it is time to review.
Written April 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kent R
Hello Dee I did not receive your message if you called us or wrote in. Call 231 947 8635 and ask for Kent so we can see what we can do for you. Cheers Kent
Written April 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Valerie G
Libertyville, Illinois, United States39 contributions
So good we went two days in a row!
First time in TC! We fell upon the tasting room one day and stopped in for a cocktail. It was an off season week day so pretty empty. Drinks were tasty. We had done some winery tastings ahead of this so no tastings done here on day one. We ventured back the next day to do a spirits tasting. Claire was awesome and took the time to explain the product and answer questions. It was just myself and my husband and we had a great time talking with Claire. Ended up taking a few bottles home. Will definitely visit again!
Written March 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kent R
Hello Valerie Thanks for taking time to send your thoughts in and giving credit to Claire! Our staff works hard to educate customers on our spirits and provide tastings and cocktails to all. Please come back to see us again. Cheers Kent
Written June 16, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
susanpW4224QE
Streetsboro10 contributions
visited for a taste... bought bottles.
Couples
We were on a wine and cider tasting excursion and asked our limo driver to stop so we could have a quick taste. We ended up buying some cherry whiskey. We put it in our Sunday morning coffee. Unfortunately we live in Ohio.... now we’re out and need to find more. This whiskey is so delicious that we are planning a trip to the southern part of Mi to get some more.

The bar at the downtown location we visited is beautiful, by the way. I wish I lived closer.
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kent R
Hello Susan Thanks and you made my day! We are looking to expand to Ohio in the future so i hope in the near future you can pick up the Cherry Whiskey at your local store. Thanks for taking time to stop in and visit our Front Street store and the kind review. Next trip come see us at the actual distillery off of 3 Mile and take a distillery tour and see how we go from farm to bottle. Cheers
Written January 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ciahasher
Houston, TX1,073 contributions
Oldest craft distillery in Michigan is worth a visit
Solo
This distillery has its production facility south of the TC airport in an industrial park. Not a scenic spot but no problem finding a parking spot! They have a bar/store/tasting room downtown but that’s much more crowded. The advantage to this place is you can get a tour of the distillery and learn about how they make their products. Afterwards, you get 4 tastings and a shot glass as part of the package.
The cherry vodka lemonade is outstanding! I bought a bottle of cherry vodka as a result!
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JBLockwood
Washington, MI5 contributions
Very, very interesting! A unique, off-the-beaten-path trip for visitors to Traverse City
We were staying in Traverse City for a long weekend earlier this year and it was raining pretty hard on Saturday morning. I had picked up an advertising booklet of attractions/businesses in T.C. the night before and saw Grand Traverse Distillery listed. My wife and I and another couple travelling with us decided to stop by the distillery to take a tour--it was GREAT. The place is not very big--the owner was there, greeted us, and was happy to show us around. He explained the distilling process--I knew nothing of how vodka and whiskey was made--and took time to answer our questions. We were able to taste the cherry vodka they produce--very good! They sell their various products out of their storefront (small room of retail items--the distillery is in the back). In the retail area of the distillery, they have these small (2 liter? 3 liter?) oak barrels into which you pour un-aged whiskey that they sell there also. We bought one and are letting our own personal barrel age for a few months--we'll tap it sometime this summer. Overall, it was a perfect way to spend some of our vacation time, especially with the bad weather we had. The distillery was a little hard to find, though. It's located in an industrial park a little ways outside of downtown. Highly recommended.
Written July 2, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
kac2
Austin, TX556 contributions
If you like vodka and whiskey, definitely stop by for a tour/tasting.
Being that this place is in a simple industrial park out near the airport, it is a little 'off the beaten path' from the downtown area tourist attractions, but it's definitely worth a visit if you like vodka and whiskey and are interested in learning their process of making it here in Traverse City. The owner gave us a tour of the facility which was quite interesting. They also have a tasting bar, where they will give you tastings (small, of course!) of whichever liquors you choose. They have an excellent Chocolate Vodka and Cherry Vodka. :)
Written October 6, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chris M
Clarkston, MI20 contributions
An Absolute Must-do in Traverse City!
Couples
My wife and I made our first visit the Grand Traverse Distillery this weekend while visiting the area to enjoy the wine tour for our anniversary. The tour of the distillery was fascinating and George was more than willing to answer questions and share his vast knowledge of their process and products.

While the tasting room was a bit cozy, there was ample room for the large group visiting to tour the gift shop and taste their products. Regarding the product, while I'm more of a whiskey person and not typically a vodka drinker, the True North Vodka was as unique and enticed us to purchase a bottle. It was an incredible first-time experience mixing up the wine tour a bit to taste a few spirits!

The best part is that while waiting to be seated at a local bistro for brunch the following day my wife and I found ourselves in conversation with another couple who turned out to be the owners of the distillery. They were truly nice people and we wish them the best!

Great product! Great people! Great experience! An absolute must-do in Traverse City!
Written October 17, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kent R
Hi Chris Thanks for the kind review and for visiting the distillery. Your wife and you were in on a very busy day as the color tour was at its peak in our area. My wife talked how small of a town Traverse it to run into someone who toured the distillery over the weekend. Please come back and see us when you come up again. Should have gin available on your next visit. Cheers Kent & Peg
Written October 19, 2012
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2
…
Showing results 1-10 of 262
Anything missing or inaccurate?
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Frequently Asked Questions about Grand Traverse Distillery
Grand Traverse Distillery is open:
  • Mon - Sat 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM